Top 5 Disney World Counter Service Restaurants
Here is our list of the best counter service restaurants at Walt Disney World. These are our 5 favorite quick places to eat in Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Disney Springs, and hotels. Some, like Flame Tree BBQ or Docking Bay 7, are once-per-trip dining spots. Others are hidden gems that even many WDW regulars haven’t tried.
For those unfamiliar with the term, counter service (or quick service) restaurants are Walt Disney World’s equivalent of fast food. Don’t let the negative connotation of ‘fast food’ (these are more like fast casual, anyway) dissuade you from trying these restaurants, as all of them have some excellent options. This list is based on value, food quality, and theme. Value and quality are regularly changing, as prices and menus both change.
5. Polite Pig – Disney Springs – It’s impossible to deny the quality of countless dishes at Polite Pig. The Baby Back Ribs with the polite rub and layla’s sweet bbq sauce are the best at Walt Disney World. The Pork Shoulder and Half Chicken are similarly fantastic. These are all quite pricey, but the quality is undeniable. For cheaper options, the sandwiches do not disappoint. Ditto the shareables and market sides.
4. Primo Piatto– Disney‘s Rivera Resort – This is the relatively new counter service restaurant at Disney’s Riviera Resort. While outside the park, Primo Piatto is an easy Skyliner flight from Epcot or Hollywood Studios, meaning that it’s ridiculously easy to do it as a break from the parks.
While its cuisine is not as good as Polite Pig, the value proposition is far superior with some of the best entrees being between several dollars less expensive and half the cost. Primo Piatto also has strong menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making it a great option for multiple meals.
3. Satu’li Canteen – Pandora: World of Avatar at Animal Kingdom – More ambitious menus are definitely a trend with new counter service restaurants at Walt Disney World, and Avatar Land’s mess hall is no exception.
No matter, as the food is absolutely delicious. The highlight at Satu’li Canteen is the “Create-Your-Own-Bowl” option, which lets you select a protein, base, and sauce. This gives you the option to choose among the fresh, high quality, and delicious ingredients to make something healthy, heavy and decadent, or in between. In other words, there’s something for everyone with the options at Satu’li Canteen.
2. Flame Tree BBQ – Disney’s Animal Kingdom – If you love meat, Flame Tree BBQ might sneak into the top spot on this list for you. The St. Louis Ribs entree that tops Flame Tree BBQ’s menu is the single greatest counter service option in all of Walt Disney World. While the ribs are amazing, you must try the Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Pulled Pork. It’s delicious, interesting, filling, and a great value!
1. Docking Bay 7 Food & Cargo – Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios – Walt Disney World’s newest counter service restaurant is already its best. That’s good news, as this is the only place to get a full meal in Star Wars Land, and you’ll definitely want to eat while you’re here.
Docking Bay 7 truly fires on all cylinders. Its themed design is engaging and fun, its menu is diverse and delicious, and it offers some of the best desserts at Walt Disney World. In terms of the menu, there’s something for everyone. Vegetarians–and really, anyone–will love the Felucian Garden Spread (pictured below), while meat-eating enthusiasts might just prefer the Smoked Kaadu Ribs (pictured above) to those at Flame Tree BBQ. And that’s just two things on this stacked menu!
Which Walt Disney World quick service eatery is your favorite and how many of these restaurants have you dined at?
